CAA Interoperability Proposals The Way Forward

1. CAA Interoperability Proposals The Way Forward John Banks – CAA Directorate of Airspace Policy Andy Greenwood – Adept ATM Limited

2. What is this NOT about? • Last year’s proposals for Mode S carriage by ALL aircraft in ALL airspace are NOT currently being taken any further forward. • This is NOT an initiative to increase the amount of commercial traffic or UAVs using Class G airspace. • This is NOT an initiative to “ground” all GA aircraft that cannot fit Mode S transponders by 2008. • This is NOT related to airspace charging or radio carriage.

3. What IS this all about? • Replace out-of-date existing SSR Mode A/C with Mode S. • Increase the number of aircraft that can interact with ATC secondary surveillance radars. • Increase the number of aircraft that can interact with airborne and ground-based collision avoidance safety nets (ACAS II, STCA etc). IMPROVE INTEROPERABILITY TO PROTECT FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND IMPROVE SAFETY LEVELS

4. Why is improved interoperability needed? • 2003 Government White Paper on ‘The Future of Air Transport’: • Traffic growth; particularly at regional airports. • Significant economic and social benefits to all of the UK. • Environmental impact on future routing and flight profiles of CAT. • Air traffic system capacity must match new airport capacity. • Government requires early progress from the CAA. • Existing SSR Mode A/C technology stretched to its limits. • Updated SSR is a key enabler for the air traffic system to detect and handle more aircraft safely; first priority is in the busiest airspace. • Interoperability with neighbouring European implementation of Mode S for IFR (2007) and VFR (2008) in notified airspace.

5. The story so far! • Mode S now introduced into the London TMA for IFR flights. • Legislation is in place to expand Mode S into other very high density terminal and en-route airspace (e.g. Manchester & Scottish TMAs). • Consultation conducted in 2006 on proposals to further expand Mode S into all UK airspace and maximise transponder carriage. • Over 3,100 responses received and many concerns raised, particularly from the sailplane community. • CAA still considers that change is necessary and is in the long-term interests of all airspace users. • However, a more gradual approach with further consultation will be employed.

6. CAA priorities Short to Medium Term • Sustainable radio frequency environment for SSR and ACAS. • Technical interoperability between aircraft and ATC surveillance systems within controlled airspace. • Reduce the impact of airspace infringements. Longer Term • Improve interoperability between aircraft and ATC surveillance systems within all UK airspace.

7. Way Forward - Phase 1 from 31 March 2008 • Government is currently considering the following CAA recommendation: • If you HAVE to carry a transponder now, it will need to be Mode S Elementary Surveillance compliant by 31 March 2012. • If you fit a transponder for the first time or replace a Mode A/C transponder after 31 March 2008, it must be Mode S Elementary Surveillance compliant. • If you are currently using a Mode A/C transponder VOLUNTARILY, it does NOT need to be replaced with SSR Mode S by 31 March 2012.

8. Way Forward - Phase 2 from 31 March 2009 Another public consultation on the following proposals: • Mode S carriage on ALL flights in controlled airspace. • A process for ‘Transponder Mandatory Zone’ applications. • Mode S carriage on all international flights by powered aircraft. • Include gliders within the transponder carriage rules. Transition period until 31 March 2012 to complete equipage. Mode A/C transponders carried VOLUNTARILY would still NOT need to be replaced with SSR Mode S by 31 March 2012.

9. Way Forward – future additional phases? • CAA still considers that something will need to be introduced to improve safety and interoperability throughout UK airspace. • Depending on timescales, any additional phases would take new technologies into account (e.g. ADS-B). • Requirements of emerging Single European Sky legislation will also have to be taken into account.

10. Popular misconceptions • GA transponders will just ‘saturate’ ATC systems and TCAS. • ATC will just ‘filter out’ transponder signals. • Transponders cause major radiation hazards. • Mode S will allow the CAA to charge GA on a ‘pay-per-flight’ basis. • Military aircraft will be exempt. • It will cost £6,000+ to fit a Mode S transponder. • Only the airlines will benefit so they should pay.

11. Popular misconceptions • The CAA has already made its mind up. • Commercial traffic will not continue to grow. • Class G airspace primarily belongs to the GA community. • Putting Mode S on commercial aircraft means that GA aircraft only need Mode A/C. • ADS-B and FLARM are much better and cheaper than Mode S. • There hasn’t been an accident so there is no need for change.

12. How you can get involved • Send views to your GA representative associations. • Attend consultation presentations. • Visit the CAA Mode S web pages. http://www.caa.co.uk/modes • Respond to the public consultation. • The most influential consultation responses are the constructive ones that provide data, evidence and ideas. (quality not quantity)

13. Questions? More Information Available at: http://www.caa.co.uk/modes